July 16: New Town's popular Eco Park is getting an edgier next-door neighbour ready to push the boundaries of leisure activity involving children and adults.

Hidco has earmarked a three-acre plot opposite the Owl Crossing between gates 3 and 4 of Eco Park to build a park whose primary objective would be to provide almost a five-dimensional sensory experience in terms of sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.

The park's proposed attractions include a jungle camp, obstacle courses and activities like digging up fossils. But the highlight would be the Garden of Senses, a unique section designed to tap the five senses along with "proprioception (sense of position)" and "vestibularness (sense of balance and movement)".

Debashis Sen, chairman and managing director of Hidco, said the concept was chosen from among entries in a design competition. "Construction will start soon and we expect the park to be ready for opening early next year."

Metro highlights whatto look forward to.

Sensory gallery

This will be a combination of mirrors, mazes and riddles meant to test the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. "Imagine walking down a frame with mirrors placed in such a way that you get the feeling of walking at a great height. We will use a variety of illusions to make run-of-the-mill activities both interesting and difficult," Sen said.

Balloon forest

Huge balloons and inflated balls would be placed in a pit-like area for visitors to cross. Since the balloons will change positions, it is not going to be a walk in the park," a Hidco official said. "Maintaining one's balance while walking through the zone will be the key."

Jungle campsite

This one promises to be an authentic campsite experience complete with tents and hammocks in the middle of the city. The challenge for visitors would be to rummage through the available paraphernalia for the right tools to set up camp within the stipulated time.

Boulder scramble

In this section, artificial boulders would be placed along a route to create an obstacle course. Anyone entering the zone would be required to complete the course within a particular time without stumbling and falling even once. If anyone slips, that attempt would stand cancelled and he or she must start afresh. "We plan to use artificial boulders without sharp edges to prevent injuries," the official said.

Fossil sandpit

An enclosed area would be filled with fine white sand that hides artificial fossils and dinosaur eggs. "Children read about dinosaurs in school; so we thought of giving them the opportunity to discover fossils and other secrets by digging through the sand," Sen said.

Rope climbing

Ropes set up on poles for children to climb them as fast as they can and get down safely. Mats would be placed under the ropes to prevent injury should someone fall.

Amphitheatre

A water body with a bridge and an open-air amphitheatre are part of the layout. "The water body can be used for model boat-sailing competitions. The open-air stage would have seating for more than 100 persons," the Hidco official said.